“Due to circumstances beyond its control, unfortunately Megadeth has to cancel their Australian dates. Megadeth’s decision is unrelated to the fact that Jason Newsted is performing at Soundwave. Jason and I spoke recently and continue to be friends.”

Last week, Jason Newsted’s Newsted were kicked off Megadeth’s sideshows, with Whitechapel named as the replacement. This weekend, Newsted confirmed a new set of sideshows with thrash icons Testament.

Soundwave have yet to make an official comment on the situation, although promoter AJ Maddah did tweet the below around the same time the news broke this morning – he has also since retweeted Megadeth’s post about the cancellation.

We will keep up to date with any further developments.

UPDATE: AJ Maddah has revealed on Twitter that there will be no replacement for Megadeth, saying “Mastodon are a worthy headliner for the metal stage and tbh a bigger band at this point” and there will be longer sets from other bands on the bill.

Maddah has also started to shed some light on Megadeth’s cancellation, with fans questioning the decision over Twitter.

UPDATE: Dave Mustaine still wants to play Soundwave. He says all he wanted was an apology and that his bags are packed for Australia.

This Day in Sludge History

Jimi Hendrix set fire to his guitar live on stage for the first time when he was appearing at The Astoria in London, England. It was the first night of a 24-date tour. The Fender Stratocaster burned on stage by Hendrix sold for £280,000 (British pounds) at a 2008 London auction of rock memorabilia. (1967)

Def Leppard released their fifth studio album 'Adrenalize', the first by the band following the 1991 death of guitarist Steve Clark. Former Dio and Whitesnake guitarist Vivian Campbell, was brought in as the newest member. (1992)

Born on this day, Mick Ralphs, guitarist, Mott The Hoople (1948) and Angus Young, Scottish-born Australian guitarist with AC/DC (1955),